BEONIX FESTIVAL TRANSFORMS CYPRUS INTO THE NINTH PLANET
words by SARA BRAJKO
I arrived in Cyprus this September with no expectations, only a vague idea of an island layered with history. Empires have passed through here, cultures have collided and left their traces. Yet what awaited me at the BEONIX Festival was anything but a museum of the past. It felt alive, vibrant, and forward-looking.
BEONIX calls itself a voyage to the “ninth planet.” It’s more than a tagline; it’s an atmosphere. The venue felt cozy and easy to navigate, yet it somehow held 25,000 people without ever feeling crowded. Everywhere I turned, something unexpected caught my eye: cutting-edge art, boundary-pushing performances, and a Main Stage screen design so bold it seemed to breathe. Art installations transformed the venue into an open-air gallery, sparking curiosity and conversation.
The stages themselves felt like massive art pieces scattered across the festival, some appearing in the most unexpected corners. One building even had a giant cat lounging on the rooftop, playfully watching the crowd below. Red lights, hypnotic visuals, and talented dancers turned every space into something surreal and alive.
One of the standout moments for me was Kill Them With Colour, the Amsterdam-based show ballet that had the entire crowd entranced. Vibrant textured costumes gave them a Cirque du Soleil flair.
When Pure Ibiza Radio took over the Hangar Stage for a full day, the vibe shifted — wild, high-energy, and impossible to leave. It was one of those moments where you just kept dancing, not wanting the night to end.
Another highlight was Adriatique’s set - a slow-burning, hypnotic journey that built layer by layer under the open night sky. Their sound was cinematic and euphoric, pulling thousands into one shared rhythm. Lights and visuals pulsed perfectly with the music, creating a moment that still echoes in my memory.
For when you needed a break, BEONIX made sure comfort and creativity were part of the experience too. A carefully curated food corner offered everything from quick bites to indulgent meals, while the MAC corner invited festival-goers to play with color, experiment, and express themselves.
Beyond the music, Cyprus itself became part of the journey. Exploring the island’s deep history and visiting its boutique wineries was unforgettable. I tasted experimental blends, learned about centuries-old winemaking traditions, and tried Commandaria, the legendary dessert wine once called “the wine of kings.” Sipping it where it’s been made for millennia felt like stepping into a living heritage.
Perhaps this is what BEONIX means by its “ninth planet” - not a destination, but a state of being. A reminder that connection is still possible, that shared rhythm can silence division, if only for a night. On this island, new to me but instantly magnetic, I saw what festivals can still be when they dare to dream: curated worlds, cultural mirrors, and small utopias. Cyprus was my first, and BEONIX may now become a tradition. I’m already wondering how they’ll raise the bar next year.
